9 Essential Steps to Recover Your Home After Flooding

You're seeking out resources during what we know is an incredibly stressful time, and that's a very important first step.

Taking the initiative to learn how to recover from a flood means you’re already moving in the right direction. Flood damage cleanup isn’t easy, but having clear steps to clean up after a flood can make the process feel more manageable. 

This guide will walk you through the essentials so you can move forward with clarity and hope. Bookmark this list so you can reference it as you continue down the path to flood recovery. 

On this page: 

Step 7: Check Home Systems & Structure
Step 8: Begin the Rebuilding & Restoration Process
Step 9: Focus on Long-Term Flood Prevention & Preparedness

What Are the Steps You Should Take to Restore Your Home After a Flood?

Step 1: Ensure Safety

Before you do anything else, make sure your home is safe to enter. Floods can cause hidden dangers that aren’t immediately obvious. Take these precautions before stepping inside:

• Turn off electricity and gas at the main source if it’s safe to do so. If not, call your utility company for help.

• Wear protective gear such as rubber boots, gloves, and a mask to protect against contaminants in floodwater.

• Inspect the structure for sagging ceilings, shifting walls, or weakened floors that could collapse.

• Watch for hazards like snakes, sharp debris, or exposed nails that might be hidden under water or mud.

Taking these steps first keeps you and your family safe while you begin the recovery process.

Step 2: Document Damage for Insurance

Before you dive too far into repairs, pause and document everything. Your insurance company will need detailed proof of the damage to process your claim, and taking the time to do this now can save you headaches later.

Here’s what to do:

• Take photos and videos of every affected room, including close-ups of damaged walls, floors, and belongings.

• Make a written inventory of items that were destroyed or need repair.

• Keep receipts and records for any emergency expenses like hotel stays, supplies, or temporary repairs.

• Don’t throw anything away until your insurance adjuster has seen it (unless it poses a health hazard).

• Organize documents digitally so you can easily send them to your insurance company or adjuster.

A well-documented claim increases the likelihood of faster approval and proper reimbursement.

Step 3: Remove Water

After ensuring safety, the next step is tackling standing water. The faster you remove it, the less damage your home will sustain. Here are some effective ways to get the water out:

• Use pumps or wet/dry vacuums to remove large amounts of standing water quickly.

• Buckets and mops can be used for smaller pools of water or tight spaces.

• Squeegees and push brooms help move water toward drains or out doorways.

• Professional water extraction services may be necessary for deeper flooding or when electricity isn’t safe to use.

Removing water promptly minimizes damage to flooring, drywall, and personal belongings, giving you a head start on recovery.

Step 4: Dry the Area

Once the standing water is gone, it’s time to dry out your home. This step is critical for preventing mold growth and further damage. Here are the key actions to take:

• Open windows and doors to let in fresh air and promote cross-ventilation.

• Use fans and dehumidifiers to speed up the drying process, especially in enclosed spaces.

• Remove wet materials like carpet, rugs, and upholstered furniture that can hold moisture.

• Pull up flooring or baseboards if necessary to let subfloors and walls dry thoroughly.

• Check moisture levels with a moisture meter to ensure everything is fully dry before rebuilding.

Drying thoroughly may take days or even weeks, but it’s one of the most important steps in protecting your home long-term.

Step 5: Prevent Mold Growth

Mold can start growing within 24–48 hours of flooding, so this step is critical for protecting both your home and your health. Once moisture takes hold, it can spread quickly through walls, floors, and belongings, making your recovery much more complicated.

Here’s how to stay ahead of it:

• Keep air moving with fans, dehumidifiers, and open windows (if the weather allows).

• Remove wet materials like drywall, carpet, and insulation that cannot be fully dried.

• Clean surfaces with a mixture of water and detergent before applying disinfectants or mold inhibitors.

• Wear protective gear such as gloves, goggles, and a mask to avoid exposure to mold spores.

• Check hidden areas like behind baseboards, inside cabinets, and under flooring for moisture pockets.

Stopping mold early not only saves time and money but also ensures your home is safe and livable again.

Step 6: Clean & Disinfect

Once the water is out and your home is dry, it’s time to tackle the cleanup. Floodwater often carries bacteria, chemicals, and debris that can pose serious health risks if left untreated. Cleaning and disinfecting thoroughly is essential for protecting both your home and your family.

Here’s how to approach it:

• Remove and dispose of contaminated items like soaked mattresses, upholstered furniture, and carpet padding.

• Scrub hard surfaces (walls, floors, countertops) with hot water and heavy-duty cleaner.

• Disinfect with bleach or EPA-approved disinfectants to kill bacteria and mold spores.

• Wash clothing, bedding, and fabrics with hot water and detergent; dry them completely before use.

• Wear gloves, masks, and eye protection during the entire cleanup to protect yourself from harmful contaminants.

A thorough cleaning now reduces long-term risks and ensures your home is safe to restore and rebuild.

Step 7: Check Home Systems & Structure

This is the moment to bring in licensed pros and follow a proven water damage restoration process to protect your home for the long haul.

Flooding can quietly compromise electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and structural components. Unfortunately, these are issues that may not show up until months later.

• Electrical:
  Do not restore power until a licensed electrician inspects panels, outlets, GFCIs, and any wiring that may have been submerged. Corrosion can develop over time, so replace any water-exposed devices.

• HVAC:
  Have a technician inspect the air handler/furnace, coils, and ductwork. Replace wet insulation and contaminated ducts, and change filters before the first run to avoid spreading mold.

• Plumbing:
  Check supply and drain lines, water heaters, and any backflow devices. If you’re on well/septic, schedule disinfection and system checks to prevent contamination.

• Gas Appliances:
  If appliances were submerged or you smell gas, call your utility. Lines should be pressure-tested and appliances serviced or replaced before use.

• Structure:
  Ask a qualified contractor or engineer to evaluate framing, subfloors, sill plates, and sheathing. Look for warping, rot, rusted connectors, masonry cracks, or foundation movement.

• Appliances & Equipment:
  Many submerged appliances (dishwashers, refrigerators, washers/dryers) must be replaced per manufacturer guidance. Don’t power them up until cleared.

• Documentation:
  Request written findings/estimates from each pro; these reports strengthen insurance claims and guide safe repairs.

Catching problems now prevents long-term risks like hidden mold, electrical shorts, poor indoor air quality, and structural deterioration.

Step 8: Begin the Rebuilding & Restoration Process

Once your home is fully dried out and your insurance claim is underway, it’s time to begin the actual rebuilding process. This phase restores your home’s structure, safety, and comfort so you can return to normal life.

Here’s what this step usually involves:

• Work with licensed contractors who have proven experience with flood damage repair and restoration.

• Replace damaged materials like drywall, insulation, flooring, and cabinetry with new, safe products.

• Upgrade where needed. If electrical, plumbing, or HVAC systems were compromised, ensure they’re replaced or repaired by professionals.

• Consider preventative improvements, such as installing flood-resistant materials, adding sump pumps, or elevating appliances and outlets to reduce future risk.

• Schedule inspections with local authorities or third-party inspectors to ensure your home meets safety and building codes before you move back in.

The rebuilding process may take weeks or even months, depending on the extent of the damage, but this is the step where your house truly starts to feel like home again.

Step 9: Focus on Long-Term Flood Prevention & Preparedness

Rebuilding your home is only part of the journey. The final step is putting strategies in place to protect your home against future flooding. Taking proactive measures now can save you time, money, and stress down the road.

Here are some long-term prevention ideas:

• Elevate appliances and utilities like water heaters, HVAC systems, and electrical panels to reduce future flood risk.

• Install sump pumps and backflow valves to prevent water from entering your home during heavy rains.

• Upgrade to flood-resistant materials in high-risk areas such as basements, laundry rooms, and bathrooms.

• Improve grading and drainage around your property to help water flow away from the foundation.

• Keep an emergency plan. Prepare a flood kit, know evacuation routes, and ensure your family understands what to do in case of future flooding.

Thinking beyond recovery to prevention gives you peace of mind and makes your home more resilient. It’s not just about fixing what was lost—it’s about preparing for what’s ahead.